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Nick’s Picks: Teaching books about social justice

This post was originally published in Nick Glass’ monthly column for Curriculum Connections, an e-newsletter published by School Library Journal in partnership with TeachingBooks.net. Subscribe to this free newsletter here.

In late April I attended the Jane Addams Book Award announcement at Chicago’s Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, the actual location where the crusader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient supported immigrants and advocated for social justice and racial and gender equality.

While attending this ceremony, which recognizes children’s books for their literary excellence and social justice themes, I considered some of what I’ve learned through books:

social justice is relevant for everyone

so many powerful stories go untold until a brave person writes them

books open us to diverse perspectives about the world

This month’s post highlights the Jane Addams Book Award and other distinction lists, along with related multimedia resources that will spark lively and informed discussions about cultures, social justice, and human rights.

The Jane Addams Book Award recognizes children’s books that “effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, and world community.

The Coretta Scott King Book Awardshonors African-American authors and illustrators whose books “promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.”

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Need the help of the #CUE19 community. New this school-year, California purchased state-funded access to digital resources for all K-12 students but we need to get the word out. Ensure your school/district knows about this. More info at library.ca.gov/services/to-pu…